Summer days out by steam: Save £10pp with londonworld.com
Pack your buckets and spades and join The Railway Touring Company for a memorable steam day trip from London to favourite seaside resorts Bournemouth, Weymouth or Minehead.
Steam to the seaside
‘The Dorset Coast Express’ runs from London Victoria, Staines and Woking on Wednesdays, July 24 and 31, and on Thursday, August 15. With a magnificent steam locomotive at its head, this seaside special will take you to the spa resort of Bournemouth where you can spend the afternoon enjoying the attractive pine walks or sandy beaches. Stay on board and you can visit the traditional seaside town of Weymouth to stroll along the esplanade or golden beach.
The Bristol Channel resort of Minehead is the destination for ‘The West Somerset Steam Express’, which departs on Saturdays, July 20, August 10 and September 14. A real steam treat, passengers on board this train will meet two historic locos in one day! You will leave London Paddington steam hauled for a journey including a run along the Kennet & Avon Canal. Later, at Bishops Lydeard, the train will be joined by a West Somerset Railway steam locomotive for the final stretch into Minehead, where you can enjoy the sand, sea, icecreams and, hopefully, some sun.
The famous Settle & Carlisle Line
Don’t fancy sand between your toes? The Railway Touring Company is also offering steam adventures over the world famous Settle & Carlisle Line on board ‘The Cumbrian Mountain Express’ on Saturdays, May 11, and August 3. Other special trains with highly scenic routes include ‘The Cumbrian Coast Express’ on Saturday, June 1.
North Wales Coast by steam
New for 2024 is ‘The North Wales Coast Express’ on Saturday, July 6. Departing from London Euston hauled a blue class electric locomotive, the train will be met at Crewe by a mighty steam locomotive. From there, you will steam on to Chester, cross the river Dee into Wales, steam through the coastal resorts of Prestatyn, Rhyl and Colwyn Bay alongside the Irish Sea and take a break at Llandudno.
Other steam treats this summer include ‘The Tynesider’ to the vibrant city of Newcastle with its stylish river front on Saturday, June 8; ‘The Swanage Belle’ on Wednesday, June 26, stopping at seaside Swanage; ‘The Cheshireman’ on Saturday, June 29, heading for historic Chester; ‘The End of Southern Steam’ on Tuesday, July 9, also visiting Weymouth; and ‘The White Rose’ on Saturday, July 13, going to the fascinating walled city of York.
Treat yourself – dine on board
The Railway Touring Company’s travel options include Standard, with refreshments to purchase on board, or bring your own picnic, and First with light meals in the morning and afternoon served to you at your seat.
Special occasion? Go for Premier Dining. Sit back at your linen-clad table to enjoy a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner, all freshly prepared on board, silver served to you as you watch the world go by.
Save £10pp
The Railway Touring Company is offering londonworld.com readers a £10 per person discount on London departures. Visit The Railway Touring Company for details, booking code and T&Cs.